Wild is the Wind

David Bowie's rendition of 'Wild is the Wind' is a passionate and poetic exploration of love's untamed nature. Originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film of the same name, the song gained new life with Bowie's cover on his 1976 album 'Station to Station'. Bowie's version is notable for its emotional depth and the haunting quality of his vocal performance, which adds layers of complexity to the song's meaning.

The lyrics of 'Wild is the Wind' use natural imagery to convey the intensity and volatility of love. The wind, an uncontrollable and unpredictable force, symbolizes the powerful, sometimes chaotic, emotions that come with deep affection. The repeated plea 'love me, say you do' suggests a longing for reassurance and connection, while the invitation to 'let the wind blow through your heart' speaks to a desire for openness and vulnerability in the relationship. The comparison of love to the wind also implies that love is not something that can be tamed or easily understood; it is wild and free.

Bowie's performance brings a sense of urgency and desire to the song. The metaphor of the leaf clinging to the tree illustrates a deep dependence and attachment, highlighting the theme of love as a life-sustaining force. The mandolin's sound, evoked upon the touch of a loved one, suggests that love has the power to transform and bring new beginnings, much like the arrival of spring. In 'Wild is the Wind', Bowie captures the essence of a love that is as vital as it is untamed, a force that is both life-giving and as capricious as the wind itself.